South Central Reporter

City of Salem City Council met April 21.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

I. Call to Order

The regular April 21, 2025 meeting of the Salem City Council was convened in the Council Chambers of Salem City Hall. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Nicolas Farley at 6:01 PM.

Council members present:

Councilman Royce Bringwald

Councilman Jim Koehler

Councilman Craig Morton (arrived 6:05 PM)

Mayor Nicolas Farley

Council members absent:

None.

Others present:

City Manager Annette Sola

City Attorney Matt Wilzbach

City Clerk Tabitha Meador

Finance Director Keli Barrow

Chief of Police Todd Boles

Deputy Chief of Police Tyler Rose

Public Works Director Travis Sanders

Economic Development Director Leah Dellicarpini

Recreation Director Jed Casburn

DOEM Director Andrew Strong

Councilman-elect Frank Addison

Assistant DOEM Director Shane Mansker

Councilman-elect Gerald Molenhour

Members of the Boles Family

Members of the Salem Police Department

Marion County Sheriff Kevin Cripps

Dr. Brad Detering, SCHS Superintendent

Dr. Leslie Foppe, Salem 111 Superintendent

Emil and Joan Nattier, Disaster Relief Illinois

Bruce Kropp, WJBD-WSIQ Radio

Dennis Rosenberger, Salem Times-Commoner

Members of the Public

II. Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance

Councilman Koehler offered the opening prayer, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Tyson Boles.

III. Presentation of Petitions/Public Comments

• Emil Nattier, representing Disaster Relief Illinois, indicated their organization has been “stood down” by the State Director, as there appears to be an inability to handle debris, and assistance-request lists were not available.

IV. Mayor’s Report and Presentations

• indicated his appreciation for the Police Department, Emergency Management, Public Works, and Fire Department in regards to the response Friday night during the flash flooding. He further indicated Channels 2 and 5 were at City Hall, conducting interviews earlier in the afternoon today. The Red Cross has set up a shelter at the First Baptist Church and clean-up kits and food kits are available;

• congratulated the two new elected Councilmen, Frank Addison and Gerald Molenhour;

• indicated Keep Salem Beautiful will have a vendor fair in June;

• complimented the Officer Grant Green and the recruitment committee at the Salem Police Department for their videos for patrol. The videos are available on the Police Department’s Facebook page.

V. City Council Action

1. Consent Agenda

(a) Approval of Minutes from the April 7, 2025 Regular Council Meeting

(b) Approval of the various Board Appointments made by Mayor Farley:

New Board Appointments:

Historical Commission (3-year term) – Jim Koehler

Planning Commission (5-year term) – Tracy Timmerman

Board of Police Commissioners (3-year term) - Rich Sinclair

Zoning Board of Appeals (5-year term) – Christine Hollenkamp

Board Reappointments:

Airport Authority (5-year term) – Brent Taylor

Historical Commission (3-year term) – Diane Eller

Library Board (3-year term) - Kasey Angeloni, Brenda Conrad, Jennifer Dice

Police Pension Board (2-year term) - David Black

Tourism Board (4-year term) - Sherry Morton, Kelley Predium, Janelle Smith

Zoning Board of Appeals (5-year term) – Michael Molenhour

Motion made by Councilman Koehler and seconded by Councilman Bringwald to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilman Bringwald, Councilman Morton, Councilman Koehler, Mayor Farley. NAYS: None. Motion carried.

2. Swearing-In Ceremony for Chief of Police Todd Boles

Mayor Farley administered the oath of office for Chief of Police Todd Boles. Chief Boles was joined by his wife Tasha and son Tyson.

3. Recommend approval of Ordinance 2025-11 – Review and approval of FY2026 budget

Mayor Farley indicated Ordinance 2025-11 for the approval of the City’s FY2026 budget has been presented, and the public hearing was held prior to tonight’s Council meeting. City Manager Sola indicated there are no changes from the last meeting.

Motion made by Councilman Koehler and seconded by Councilman Bringwald to approve Ordinance 2025-11 approving the municipal budget for FY2026 for the City of Salem. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilman Morton, Councilman Koehler, Councilman Bringwald, Mayor Farley. NAYS: None. Motion carried.

4. Recommend approval of City Council Appointment

Mayor Farley indicated he requested interested residents to submit a letter of interest to fill the remaining term of the four-year seat on the Council due to the resignation of Tracy Crouch. The three candidates that ran in the recent consolidated election have submitted a letter requesting the third candidate be appointed to the open seat. Mayor Farley has accepted the recommendation and proposes the appointment of Royce Bringwald to fill the remainder of the unexpired term.

Motion made by Councilman Koehler and seconded by Councilman Morton to approve Royce Bringwald to be appointed to fill the unexpired City Council position, term ending April 30, 2027. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilman Koehler, Councilman Morton, Mayor Farley. NAYS: None. ABSTENTIONS: Councilman Bringwald. Motion carried.

5. Recommend approval of the use of Bryan Memorial Park for Spring Festival

Mayor Farley indicated the Daffy Dill Garden Club is requesting permission to use Bryan Memorial Park near the Bryan Statue area on Saturday, June 21, 2025 to host a Spring Garden Festival. This Festival has been held in the past and includes food, craft, and plant vendors. Motion made by Councilman Bringwald and seconded by Councilman Koehler to approve the use of Bryan Memorial Park Statue area on Saturday, June 21, 2025 for a Spring Garden Festival. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilman Bringwald, Councilman Morton, Councilman Koehler, Mayor Farley. NAYS: None. Motion carried.

6. Request ratification of Planning Commission recommendation – Special Use Permit, S. Marshall Ave.

Mayor Farley indicated the Planning Commission met Tuesday, April 8, 2025 and unanimously voted to recommend granting a Special Use Permit to place a Class B manufactured home on two vacant, adjoining lots of S. Marshall Ave. (PIN: 1100017276 and 1100017280). Motion made by Councilman Koehler and seconded by Councilman Bringwald to approve the Special Use Permit to place a Class B manufactured home on two vacant, adjoining lots on S. Marshall (PINs: 1100017276 and 1100017280). Roll call vote: AYES: Councilman Morton, Councilman Koehler, Councilman Bringwald, Mayor Farley. NAYS: None. Motion carried.

7. Request ratification of Planning Commission recommendation – Special Use Permit, Winner’s Circle Duplex

Mayor Farley indicated the Planning Commission recommends approval of a Special Use Permit to allow the construction of a duplex on the remaining lot at the corner of Winner’s Circle and Mills Cart Road. Planning Commission Chairman Frank Addison indicated public comment continues to be concerned about flooding in that area.

Motion made by Councilman Koehler and seconded by Councilman Bringwald to approve the Special Use Permit to allow the construction of a duplex at the corner of Winner’s Circle and Mills Cart Road. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilman Koehler, Councilman Bringwald, Councilman Morton, Mayor Farley. NAYS: None. Motion carried.

8. Request approval of Resolution R2025-05

Mayor Farley indicated the City is applying under the Mike Bost Community Project Funding FY2026 for watermain improvements in the city. The project estimate is approximately $1,875,000 with a 20% ($375,000) out of the City’s water fund.

Motion made by Councilman Bringwald and seconded by Councilman Morton to approve Resolution R2025-05 as presented. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilman Bringwald, Councilman Koehler, Councilman Morton, Mayor Farley. NAYS: None. Motion carried.

9. Request approval of TIF 2 Development Agreement – Salem Industrial Enterprises II, LLC

Mayor Farley indicated Economic Development Director Leah Dellicarpini is asking for approval of a TIF Development Agreement with Salem Industrial Enterprises II, LLC/Aaron Robb. He is constructing a new manufacturing plant on a portion of parcel 11-09-300-029 that will house 618 Plastics, a new company. The proposed agreement would allow reimbursement on property tax increment (50% for the first 5 years, and 30% for the next 3 additional years) solely for the new structure out of TIF2.

Motion made by Councilman Koehler and seconded by Councilman Bringwald to approve Ordinance 2025-12, authorizing a TIF 2 Redevelopment Agreement with Salem Industrial Enterprises II, LLC. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilman Koehler, Councilman Bringwald, Councilman Morton, Mayor Farley. NAYS: None. Motion carried.

10. Request approval of amendment to TIF Development Agreement – Conant Development

Mayor Farley indicated Ordinance 2025-07 is an amendment to the Scott Conant/ Hilda Garden Apartments TIF Agreement (2023-22) to define reimbursement of infrastructure as phases of the project are completed. He further indicated in the original agreement, a minimum and maximum of what could be reimbursed on the overall project were defined; there was no definition of reimbursement of infrastructure. The proposed amendment would allow reimbursement on infrastructure as it is completed and outlined in Phase 1 of the project; the reimbursement would be calculated and accounted for in the overall project reimbursement maximum. Economic Development Director Dellicarpini indicated the agreement is structured as a loan, and if TIF 4 does not pass, Mr. Conant will have to pay the loan amount back to the City. She further indicated that Mr. Conant’s desire to invest in Salem is unparalleled with commitment.

Motion made by Councilman Koehler and seconded by Councilman Bringwald to approve Ordinance 2025-07, authorizing and amending the TIF 4 Predevelopment Agreement with Conant Development, as presented. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilman Bringwald, Councilman Morton, Councilman Koehler, Mayor Farley. NAYS: None. Motion carried.

11. Request approval of Accounts Payable from 03-17-2025 – 04-18-2025

After discussion, motion made by Councilman Morton and seconded by Councilman Koehler to approve the Accounts Payable list from 03-17-2025 – 04-18-2025. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilman Morton, Councilman Koehler, Councilman Bringwald, Mayor Farley. NAYS: None. Motion carried.

VI. City Manager and Department Head Reports

City Manager Sola:

• indicated the Lions Club will be hosting an Easter Egg Drive-Thru in Bryan Memorial Park on Sunday, April 27, as the Easter Egg Hunt had to be canceled due to weather;

• indicated the tornado siren behind Taco Bell fell, and will be working with the insurance company. She further indicated the deductible is $10,000.

Public Works Director Sanders:

• indicated crews have been busy cleaning up after the recent storms.

Economic Development Director Dellicarpini:

• indicated she will have more agenda items at the May 5th meeting;

• indicated she is encouraged by interest in downtown buildings.

Finance Director Barrow:

• indicated budget books will not come out until July for adjusted numbers to the close-out of FY2025;

• indicated application for a $20,000 grant for a waterline project.

Recreation Director Casburn:

• indicated all programs are going well, and are rescheduling missed games due to weather; • indicated disc golf numbers are up;

• indicated the pool will be filled May 5.

Police Chief Boles and Deputy Chief Rose:

• indicated they have worked together for one week, and things are going well.

DOEM Director Strong:

• indicated a lot has been thrown at the City from storm assessment;

• indicated his disappointment in the report from the Disaster Relief team;

• indicated his appreciation to Deputy DOEM Director Mansker.

City Clerk Meador: No report.

VII. City Council Members Reports

Councilman Koehler:

• indicated this is his last Council meeting;

• indicated 100 Years of the Scopes Trial will be celebrated on July 12;

• indicated that over the years, he has been accused of not being transparent, and that could not be more false. He further indicated this Council works together for solutions and does not “kick the can down the road”;

• indicated the City is left in good hands.

Mayor Farley:

• thanked Councilman Koehler for his service.

Councilman Bringwald:

• thanked everyone for their support.

VIII. Motion to Adjourn

Motion was made by Councilman Koehler and seconded by Councilman Bringwald to adjourn the meeting at 6:44 PM. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilman Koehler, Councilman Bringwald, Councilman Morton, Mayor Farley. NAYS: None. Motion carried.

https://www.salemil.us/sites/g/files/vyhlif1161/f/minutes/cc_-_2025_04-21.pdf